This New Charging Cable Is a Must-Pack Accessory for Minimalist Travelers

This single USB-C cable can charge two devices. That’s one less charging cable for you to have to pack.

Published June 24, 2024

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When traveling — or commuting — the fewer charging cables you need to bring, the better. That’s a big reason why most devices now charging via USB-C is so great: you can charge them all with the same USB-C cable.

Of course, we travel with multiple gadgets these days — laptops, smartphones, headphones, etc. — and a single cable can only charge one device at a time. That’s the conundrum that Anker’s latest charging cable seemingly solves.

Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable

Anker 2-in-1 USB-C Cable

As its name suggests, the Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable is a single USB-C to USB-C charging cable with a total of three USB-C heads. It allows you to simultaneously charge two USB-C devices, such as your laptop and iPhone 15, using a single charging cable and power adapter.

That said, Anker’s new 2-in-1 charging cable stands out in a number of other ways.

First, it can deliver up to 140 watts of power, meaning it can fast-charge your laptop or iPhone 15 (provided you have it paired with the high-capacity adapter). When charging two devices simultaneously, Anker’s 2-in-1 cable utilizes its “built-in smart power management” to distribute power between them.

Second, it supports data transfer (up to 480 Mbps). This means you can use it to share photos, videos and files between two devices if you’re in a pinch. It only supports data transfer with the first device you have plugged in on the dual-headed side, however.

Third, it’s reasonably long. The braided charging cable stretches four feet in length — there’s a three-foot fixed-length section, with the two heads extending another foot. (For context, most charging cables are around one meter, or just over three feet, long.)

And fourth, it’s really not that expensive.

Price and Availability

The Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable costs just $25. For context, Apple sells a similar-sized USB-C to USB-C cable for $19, but it maxes out at 60 watts and, obviously, can only charge one device at a time.

You can buy this charging cable right now from Anker’s website. You can find it on Amazon too, but it’s marked as “currently unavailable.”